Hello Porschephiles:
When attending a local PCA event earlier this month, I noted there were three generation 1 (986) Boxsters in the parking lot. These were owned by (gasp!) younger owners (younger to me means <40!). With the first 986 now over 10 years old, these cars have depreciated down to under $20,000 and are assuming the role of the ‘entry level’ Porsche for younger enthusiasts, displacing the 944. Having once owned a 1998 Boxster, I can attest to the cars wonderful dynamics and its sheer joy to drive. We all know its well publicised weak points too, but the vast majority produced from 1997 to 2004 have held up well. The bigger issue with any ‘entry level’ Porsche is the cost of parts and maintenance. The hourly rates and cost of parts at your local specialist’s shop are the same as those of a 2004 911 Twin Turbo. For first time used Porsche owners this can be a major issue. The solution for many is to try to maintain the 986 yourself. There are many routine and not so routine maintenance tasks that can be performed by the do-it-yourselfer IF he or she has a good source of information and documentation on the procedures required. The Internet can be a great source, but nothing beats a good book written by an expert on the marque. We are proud to carry Bruce Whittier’s Boxster Owner’s Maintenance Manual. This book covers all 986 models from 1997 – 2004 (Boxster and Boxster S). It has 266 pages filled with detail on various subsystems maintenance, trouble shooting and operation including descriptions of many OBD II digital trouble codes (DTCs). For $39.95 plus S&H you can cut the cost of Boxster ownership.
